A flow cytometer-based whole cell screening toolbox for directed hydrolase evolution through fluorescent hydrogels

Abstract

A high throughput whole cell flow cytometer screening toolbox was developed and validated by identifying improved variants (1.3-7-fold) for three hydrolases (esterase, lipase, cellulase). The screening principle is based on coupled enzymatic reaction using glucose derivatives which yield upon hydrolysis a fluorescent-hydrogel-layer on the surface of E. coli cells.